Sears to market Big Red One sportswear / LJWorld.com

1st Lt. Clint Edwards wears the insignia of the 1st Infantry Division, the Big Red One. Edwards, of Lewiston, Calif., took part in a training mission earlier this year at Fort Irwin, Calif. Sears is planning to sell a line of sportswear featuring the insignia and colors of the Big Red One.

Topeka — The Army's oldest division is beginning a new campaign with one of the nation's oldest retailers.

Starting next month, 550 Sears stores nationwide will begin selling the 1st Infantry Division collection, a line of clothing with the insignia and colors of the Army's Big Red One.

Royalties from sales will go to programs for soldiers and their families, but a spokesman for the division acknowledges that some veterans think only those who have been in the Big Red One should be wearing the insignia.

Such items previously were sold only through veterans organizations, such as the Society of the 1st Infantry Division.

Still, Maj. Nathan Bond, spokesman for the division at Fort Riley, said it's an honor for the division, which was told of the plan before it was rolled out. Items that will be for sale include T-shirts, hooded sweat shirts, denim and outerwear, with prices ranging from $11.99 to $119.99.

"It's not a surprise that we were chosen to do this," Bond said. "Whether it's right or wrong, we really don't have a say in the matter."

The Army licensed All American Apparel in June 2007, based on a recommendation from its official licensing agency. It was the first time the Army has licensed the use of any of its marks or insignia for sale to the public.

"Over the years, military-inspired clothing has played a distinct role in shaping fashion trends," said Craig Israel, senior vice president of Sears Holding Corp. and president of Sears Apparel. "We are now able to exclusively offer a line that is pure to the origins of that inspiration."

Army officials say the new clothing line will be a way for Americans to show their pride, while also elevating the Army's profile.

"Strong brand identification through retail sales of products potentially can enhance Army recruiting and the public's general goodwill toward the Army and its activities," said Army spokesman Paul Boyce.

The 1st Infantry Division traces its lineage to World War I. Its insignia is a red numeral "1" on a field of green, worn on a soldier's left shoulder. More than 15,000 of the division's soldiers are assigned to Fort Riley, with an additional 3,500 assigned to Fort Hood, Texas.

The division has fought in every U.S. conflict since World War I except the Korean War.

The military has issued about 100 trademark licenses over the past four years, though most are sold only at Army or Air Force post exchanges.

Agnostick 4 years, 8 months ago

snap:Is "Big Red 1 Sportswear" apparel really any "better" than a cheap t-shirt with Che?I guess it all depends on which factory will be cranking out Big Red 1 clothing.Will it be China?Malaysia?Singapore?India?American Saipan?http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saipan#F...? I won't buy any of it. I'd feel too "funny" wearing something like that, since I've never served a day in the military. I would agree with harley, though, that it's a nice idea, perhaps, for spouses, close family members of soldiers, etc.Agnostickagnostick@excite.com

OnlyTheOne 4 years, 8 months ago

So for you war is indeed a spectator sport.

SandyMorgan 4 years, 8 months ago

"Wretched killers," new ambercrobie and fitch line. Keep glorifying the worst in our world and see where it gets you.

just_another_bozo_on_this_bus 4 years, 8 months ago

Makes sense-- for many Americans, war is just a spectator sport.

snap_pop_no_crackle 4 years, 8 months ago

Good point there, ag.

beawolf 4 years, 8 months ago

Apparently nobody read this ..."Royalties from sales will go to programs for soldiers and their families". Great idea. I hope it generates buckets of money for these families.

"So for you war is indeed a spectator sport."No, it's semi-organized mass murder-- something I have no interest in watching or supporting.

Kontum1972 4 years, 8 months ago

A combat patch is earned it is an insult to market this for profit, only those who served in the BIG RED 1 should wear this patch, if u want to wear a combat patch go enlist earn it, not buy it.

countrygirl 4 years, 8 months ago

Support the soliders, even if you don't support the war. They go through a lot to be sure we're safe and able to speak freely on boards like this. KSU honored the soliders from Ft. Riley last Saturday at their football game. It was very moving and I felt privilaged to be able to say thanks to some of the soldiers who were sitting around us. The guys who sat in front of us were really good with my 9 year old son. They made sure he could see and he got a handshake from one when he got to throw a ball back down to the field. Many thanks to all who serve.

coolmom 4 years, 8 months ago

i am kind of torn about this but i can see the point that if it becomes popular it can elevate the feelings about the military and get money to military families...the big red one is a good outfit to start with. you are right on auntie i still have bdu's from 12-15 years ago i wear camping etc and they are sturdy and there are lots of pockets etc.

Look for that label, folks... ;)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-UwFLAx298

consumer1 4 years, 8 months ago

I was a member of the 3d Armored DIvision in Frankfurt W. Germany. Maybe I will start wearing my old Uniforms to work. Although, I would purchase a Big Red 1 sweatshirt to show my solidarity with my Brothers and Sisters in the Military. Big Red One has a wonderful History that needs to be told. But, I doubt the Far left LJW would ever print anything positive about the men and women who have served their country.

Why would I subject myself to warmongers like Reagan and Bush, and their cheerleaders, such as you, mike?

Better the Big Red One than the lame-o dead commie Che-burger shirts you see.

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